Question

A PCT is caring for a patient who has aphasia. Which of the following pain scales should the PCT expect the nurse to use to assess the patient's pain level?

A) Numerical rating scale
B) Wong-Baker FACES scale
C) FLACC scale
D) Visual analog scale

Answer 1

The Wong-Baker FACES scale or the FLACC scale are appropriate pain assessment tools for a patient with aphasia because they do not rely on verbal communication.

Step-by-step explanation:

When assessing pain in a patient who has aphasia, it is important to use a pain scale that does not rely on the patient's verbal ability. The Wong-Baker FACES scale is often used because it allows patients to indicate their pain level by pointing to a face that best represents their pain. The Numerical rating scale and the Visual analog scale might not be suitable for patients with aphasia due to their reliance on numbers and written words. The FLACC scale, which stands for Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability, is another option that can be used for patients who cannot communicate verbally as it is based on observation of the patient's behavior.